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Copper Fox Rye Whisky

Copper Fox Rye Whisky

(0.75l, 45%)


6.1/10
Price:
$48.99
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A rare pearl for Rye Whiskey devotees.  

After spending 6 months in Scotland working as an apprentice at Bowmore distilleries, Rick Wasmund returned to the U.S. in 2000, full of energy, ideas, and skill, to open up the Copper Fox Distillery in Sperryville, a small village in the Virginia countryside. True to his education he chose to use the Scottish spelling Whisky for his spirits instead of the American Whiskey.
 
The Copper Fox distillery is special for a few reasons. For one, they uniquely use apple wood and cherry wood to dry the malted grain and malted barley—with the smoke of selected, smouldering fruitwoods instead of peat as is done in Scotland. Secondly, they are the only distillery in the U.S. to malt their own grain and barley, in a traditional and “low tech” way. And finally, they use progressive aging method, where they introduce toasted apple and oak into the barrel to accelerate the aging and give the Whisky unusual and new flavor dimensions.
 
Copper Fox Rye Whisky is a Rye Whiskey, which is double-pot stilled and progressively aged for 15-20 months using apple wood toasted chips inside a used Bourbon barrel. The mash bill is 66% Virginia Rye, and 33% Virginia Thoroughbred hand-malted barley, kiln dried with apple wood and cherry wood smoke.


  • Category
    Rye
  • Style
    Rye Whiskey
  • Region
    Virginia
  • Country
    United States
  • Alcohol
    45%
  • Distillery
    Copper Fox Sperryville Distillery
  • Age
    1 Year Old
  • Maturation
    Progressive - apple and oak chips

Flavor Spiral™

About The Flavor Spiral

Close
pepper
almonds
apple
cinnamon
raisin
caramel
sweet
spicy
floral
What does Copper Fox Rye Whisky taste like?

The Flavor Spiral™ shows the most common flavors that you'll taste in Copper Fox Rye Whisky and gives you a chance to have a taste of it before actually tasting it.

We invented Flavor Spiral™ here at Flaviar to get all your senses involved in tasting drinks and, frankly, because we think that classic tasting notes are boring.

Tasting Notes
Appearance / Color
Bright amber.

Smell / Nose / Aroma
Sherry, plum wine, Appple-pie, cinnamon, raisin toast, and a bit of caramel.

Flavor / Taste / Palate 
Toasted almond, pepper, flowery, and with an increased sweetness.

Finish 
Medium-long, spicy, with a slighty bitter-apple aftertaste.

Comment
Progressive ageing - interesting on the taste buds. 

This drink is featured in

Flaviar Welcome Box
Flaviar Welcome Box
Bourbon, Rye & Scotch
Whisk(e)y
6.5/10
The 2nd Ryevolution
The 2nd Ryevolution
The Return of Rye
Whisk(e)y
6.6/10
The 2nd Ryevolution
The 2nd Ryevolution
The Return of Rye
Bourbon & Rye
6/10
Livin' The American Dram
Livin' The American Dram
American Whiskey Pack
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Ratings & Reviews
Member Reviews and Ratings of Copper Fox Rye Whisky
Ed
Ed,
Initial nose was of a campfire, first sip is one note, hot and fairly astringent. Glad I didn’t buy a full bottle.
 
Derek
Derek,
Reminds me of a peaty Highland Scotch
 
Jeffrey
Jeffrey,
More like a scotch than a rye. A little hot, with a strong pepper upfront. Inconsistent finish.
 
Beau
Beau,
Very similar to black label. The pepper and Smokey taste is strong at first and Smooths out at the end. Decent but not really a rye taste.
 
John
John,
This stuff was not my cup of tea. The flavor was very powerful, but it was still very smooth going down. I can see why someone would enjoy this however I did not.
 
Michael
Michael,
Not bad, above average rye whisky, like the peppery bite.
 
Gabriela
Gabriela,
The smell alone was too strong for me. First smells were the cinnamon and spice. Went down smooth. After taste was fine. Dry.
 
Ivan
Ivan,
This is an edgy whisky with a smooth, but dry aftertaste. You can definitely taste the scotch roots of this distillery’s pedigree.
 
Brock
Brock,
Very peppery and dry, not my favorite
 
Chris
Chris,
Didn't care for it. To much of a cinnamon taste, and not a fan of smoky drinks.
 
Brandon
Brandon,
Lots of bite/pepper. Very good and lots of levels of flavors. Good for a slow sipper.
 
Mike
Mike,
Liked it. Very smooth
 
Brenna
Brenna,
Not a Rye Whiskey fan
 
Patrick
Patrick,
Drinkable but I'm not Rye guy
 
Paul
Paul,
Smells strong and sweet. First taste is peppery, but it goes down smoothly. Just a hint of black licorice on the finish. I was expecting to not like this one, but was quite pleasantly surprised.
 
Brian
Brian,
A little more peppery than I prefer. Rye whisky is not my favorite. But it’s a nice sipper.
 
Andrew
Andrew,
I doubt this is the fault of Copper Fox. I think tasting it simply teaches me that I don't like Rye Whiskey. This on my palette is spicy, followed by more spicy, and I prefer a smoother whisky.
 
Jason
Jason,
Slightly smoky, smooth, and a little spice. Would be proud to own a bottle of this.
 
Ray
Ray,
Impressions of leather and fruit with hints of pepper. Mild and uncomplicated. Not at the top of my list, but still a good spirit.
 
Tony
Tony,
My 2nd favorite of the starter whiskey tasting set (my favorite was the Breckenridge). The pepper taste starts as intriguing, and I found it easier on the palette than peat/smoke. But it could be a bit much after a while. The finish is milder and sweeter, so I could see myself going back to it for a change of pace, but it won’t be an everyday whisky for me.
 
Andrew
Andrew,
I really liked this unique approach to making rye. I will be looking for more things from Copper Fox in the future!
 
Jason
Jason,
Not nearly as smoky as campfire rye by high west, I tasted more bite and some buttering but not smoky. 2nd favorite in the rye set
 
Corey
Corey,
The smoky (pepper) taste lingers too long for me
 
William
William,
Not really the rye for me. I know friends that will really like this style, but my taste goes a different direction. This is why tasting is important - try something different to better learn what you like. Wait, it sat on my tongue a bit longer and yes, I really do like it! It’s a sneaky one, worth the wait.
 
Matthew
Matthew,
Got it in my intro box and it turned me around on Ryes!
 
Daniel
Daniel,
Perfect for mid day, nice and light!
 
Brad
Brad,
smokey flavor. Hard to pick out anything other than that and little bit of pepper and rye. Mostly taking away smoke from this one
 
Jordan
Jordan,
Mild spice, really smokey. Bbqey
 
Daniel
Daniel,
Was not that impressed when I sniffed it, but once it hit my tongue I found it delightful! Just the right amount of bite for me. Not too much that it is difficult to drink, but not so smooth that you do not know it is a good rye.
 
Bryan
Bryan,
More spice than expected. The long flavors were nice.
 
Derek
Derek,
Lot of bite.
 
Mike
Mike,
Good Rye! Spicy and dry.
 
Jacob
Jacob,
It is a little peppery.
 
Antti
Antti,
It is a very good, intense, Rye Whiskey that has an aromatic birth; while a rich & spicy life leads to a spicy death of medium length with notes of bitter-apple, flour & unbaked dough.
 
David
David,
Not a fan. Poor after taste in my opinion.
 
Robert
Robert,
Nutty aroma, Smokey flavors with a hint of spice
 
Carson
Carson,
I got hints of licorice with this one.
 
Jason
Jason,
not a huge fan of the strong smokey flavor
Jason
Jason,
Sorry, i mean the pepper. Too much bite for me.
Brad
Brad,
I did not care for this at all.
 
Joshua
Joshua,
Amazing rye!!!!!!
 
Randy
Randy,
This is more of a Flaviar review. There were no tasting notes. I have no idea which one was what. I'm also pretty sure two of the samples were the same whiskey.
 
Dennis
Dennis,
Not a fan of Rye but this one had a nice kick.
 
Jeffrey
Jeffrey,
I'm surprised the flavor profile on here doesn't mention, either in the "Spiral" or the long description, that this rye is smokey. First flavor is smoke. Aftertaste is smoke. There are some other flavors buried in between, but unless you're a big fan of smokey flavors, I would skip this one.
 
Melissa
Melissa,
Not my favorite. I did get the pepper and almond. Smooth on ice.
 
Casey
Casey,
Strong black pepper and spice. Tasted like black powder. It wasn't bad but I it wouldn't be my go to.
 
Brandon
Brandon,
This is just bad It tastes like imitation smoke I love peat and smoke but this is just bad.
 
Michael
Michael,
Room Rye-ee
 
David
David,
I think it’s ok, interesting but seems young. Like other’s have said, why rush it?
 
Andrew
Andrew,
I wasn’t expecting the peaty taste, not really a fan.
 
Kevin
Kevin,
Given the peaty taste, I wasn’t surprised to learn of the connection with Bowmore. What’s with this business of trying to speed the aging process? What’s the hurry? This one needs an Antica Sweet Vermouth, some bitters, and a Luxardo cherry. Up.
 
Robert
Robert,
I was fooled. Figured this a very peaty Scotch. Didn't get the rye
 
Stephen
Stephen,
with my first sip, I thought I it tasted like medicine. later sips, I could taste other flavors such as honey, pepper, and smoke. It's smooth, but the flavors don't work that well together.
 
John
John,
Not my favorite rye. A bit of a metallic taste.
 
Paul
Paul,
Peppery
 
Michael
Michael,
More Smokey than peppery. Very harsh profile. Happy I got to taste, more happy I don’t have a bottle. Would recommend taming.
 
Jeremiah
Jeremiah,
Ok
 
Solomon
Solomon,
To each their own - but this is absolute yuck. The nose is like something out of a 50's medicine cabinet with a hint of some kind of a nasty herb. Traces of vomit lingers. It hits the tongue with an unforgiving burn and any flavor quickly evaporates. If there is anything positive about it, I could not really detect any finish at all - it just goes away, which is a good thing.
 
DANIEL
DANIEL,
I sensed a pretty prominent spicy odor and thought this was going to burn on the way down but I was wrong. Very smooth going down. You can definitely sense the spiciness in the flavor. I like more peated smoky whiskeys so I wouldn't buy this but it was still enjoyable.
 
Scott
Scott,
Complex. Nice smokey flavor with spicy aftertaste
 
Lora
Lora,
lots of almond on the nose, I thought it was almost caramel-y. Smooth, a little spicy, nutty. I liked it and would drink again
 
John
John,
Smoke, gasoline, floral, dark chocolate, licorice
 
Robert
Robert,
I do get the raisin and almond on the nose once I read the flavor spiral. Prior to reading it, the nose hits like a youthful rye. It also tastes like it’s only been aged for a year, but that does not mean it’s not good. No bite and a pleasant finish. I’d recommend as a nightcap after a steak or chop.
 
Robert
Robert,
Was not the best in the group. Was to rough of a finish. The profile was to harsh.
 
Sven
Sven,
First sniff was like smelling a saddle. First sip was like getting a mouthful of leather. Will take a few to get used to this.
 
Steven
Steven,
Not bad, but not amazing. Very strong pepper/spicy on the attack and the finish leaves me feeling like I just had a cigar; wish it was a higher quality cigar.
 
Jeff
Jeff,
I just sampled this and feel like you have to be in the mood for something different. It has a lot going on. I will never buy this but in the right setting if offered I’d give a go again. It’s not worst thing I’ve had but definitely not the best. I’ll give it the benefit and put it right in the middle. Man a lot of different flavors going on. I’d say it’s the tie-die rye of whiskey.
 
Justin
Justin,
Almost came out as a Irish Whiskey. Very strong Peat flavor came out. The longer it sat on ice, the more a pepper flavor came out.
 
Patrick
Patrick,
Tastes like whiskey and perfume. The floral notes are over powering and take away from the whiskey
 
David
David,
Smells and tastes like lamp oil. Had to do something I have never done before, poured it down the drain.
 
Alex
Alex,
Eh, it’s a cool concept, but not for me. The flavor profile is different to say the least with the fruitier and sweeter notes up front, then a bit bitter of a floral and Smokey finish. It was nice to try, but not my glass of rye.
 
Aaron
Aaron,
Definitely a bit on the sweeter side, but I enjoyed it.
 
Dylan
Dylan,
Good stuff, but can taste the charcoal. I like the bite!
 
Brian
Brian,
Don’t mind the smoke but little too harsh. Better with a splash of water.
 
Randy
Randy,
A bit medicinal at the nose. Leathery overtones obscure the subtler flavors and are a bit too much for my palate.
 
Phillip
Phillip,
Good very smoky
 
Matt
Matt,
Smokey and a bit harsh. Long finish, but not necessarily a pleasant one. Better with a bit more water than I generally prefer.
 
Quinn
Quinn,
Smooth but very peppery and smokey. Perhaps would have been better paired with the right food but on it's own I am not the biggest fan.
 
Todd
Todd,
Would try it again. Better than average but not. My favorite.
 
Skyler
Skyler,
Has a very metallic taste. Couldn’t get past it.
 
Daniel
Daniel,
Aroma: spice like cinnamon, alcohol. Taste: heavy pepper spice, slight nuttiness. On ice:. Subdued pepper, oily with a hint of a sweetness and other spice. Too heavy on the spice and heat combo for my taste, may go great in a mix.
 
Todd
Todd,
Smokey. To Smokey for my palette.
 
Todd
Todd,
Complex, smoky flavor. Unexpected, but good.
 
Shaun
Shaun,
I swung by their location in Williamsburg, and had the opportunity to run down the whole line. The beginnings of a delicious rye are in this bottle, but it doesn't have the balance dialed in. This is a common issue through their "lower level" whiskeys where the smoke overpowers the rest of the flavors. Copper Fox gets it right in the Cognac finished edition which is really tasty. It was much more expensive though.
 
Daniel
Daniel,
Delicious rye. Hint of fruit smoke
 
Adam
Adam,
I normally like my rye neat. This one was good but needed an ice cube. Mellowed it right out
 
Craig
Craig,
I thought this sample had been mis-shipped: I was sure it was scotch. The smoke is so overwhelming I couldn't get past it to the other flavors. I'll bet if this was sent with a scotch sampler no one would figure out it's a rye.
 
Lacey
Lacey,
Too smoky for a rye. Tasted like an immature Islay scotch.
 
Grant
Grant,
A bit medicinal at first. Got better as the ice melted.
 
Briana
Briana,
Peaty. More like a scotch than a rye
 
Jason
Jason,
Peppery, smoky, with a bit more peat flavor than I was expecting. It’s good, but if you are looking for a pure eye, it’s a step or two away. I like it and would buy it again.
 
Anthony
Anthony,
Too peaty this was more like a scotch than a rye
 
Shannon
Shannon,
Picked up hay/grass on the nose. Astringent, raspberry, hot flavor. Not really my favorite, but pretty smooth.
 
Roy
Roy,
Sweet start with smoky finish.
 
Robert
Robert,
Too much smoke
 
Jonathan
Jonathan,
Pleasant with a hint of smoke
 
Scott
Scott,
I actually really liked this Whiskey. It was a bit on the sweeter side but really easy going down in the flavor is quite unique. Worth trying if you can find it on sale
 
Jennifer
Jennifer,
Loved the smoke! Balanced nicely with a toasty maltiness and fruit. Not a typical rye, but gorgeous and fun. Try mixing it with a bit of Zucca.
 
Adam
Adam,
To much peat and smoke for a rye.
 
Luis
Luis,
Got to admit - it was a bit moss and peat up front, with strong tones of distilled spirit. Rough opening with long legs. But, as I made my way through the bottle, it opened quite well. Worth the experience, but not a staple on my shelf.
 
Holly
Holly,
Terrible. Tried this in my advent calendar. Smells and tastes like turpentine.
 
Jeff
Jeff,
Earthy, spicy rye
 
James
James,
Very spicy with a nice warm finish. It’s not the best rye I’ve had but it’s not the worst either.
 
Paul
Paul,
decent Rye. Received with the holiday advent calendar. I enjoyed it but don't plan on ordering a whole bottle
 
Josef
Josef,
Great smokey finish. Very floral taste with apple mixed in. Strong spice on first sip due to the 48% abv. But again the good smoke finish. Not my favorite but I could see pairing it with a cigar would be nice.
 
Stephen
Stephen,
This surprised me. From the flavor spiral I thought it would be too sweet, but it was real actively balanced. Not something I would drink on a regular basis, but I could see myself having it as an after dinner sipper.
 
Aric
Aric,
It was good but I like to taste more notes.
 
Guillermo
Guillermo,
Not my favorite. It tastes like I am drinking flowers. That smell when you step into a flower shop, that smell is what I taste.
 
Sean
Sean,
Quite delicious. Love the flavors. The flavor spiral is spot on. Great oily mouthfeel.
 
Amanda
Amanda,
Little harsh on the front but very smokey good aftertaste
 
Justin
Justin,
My initial taste was over-powered by the smoke. Once it opened up, however, I really liked it. The apple comes through nicely and the finish is good.
 
Ellen
Ellen,
Good for mixing, but too smoky for easy sipping IMHO. Definitely gets bonus points for ingenuity on the aging process.
 
Greg
Greg,
I really enjoyed this Scotch. Great effort from an American company. Usually the US stuff lacks character and depth but this one I liked. It's got a hint of smoke with a lot behind it. Caramel and fruit gives it that depth that good Scotch requires. Thanks to the tasting box for bringing this one I would have otherwise not tried.
 
Robert
Robert,
Lots of cherry. Very sweet. Sippable
 
Matthew
Matthew,
Ugh. Tastes like you are drinking a rose. With the thorns still on. After a dog pissed on it.
 
Michael
Michael,
Harsh taste, needs to be mellowed
 
Jon
Jon,
Smokey, sweet. I dig it. Not so boozy, just charred barrel
 
Andrew
Andrew,
lOVED THE aPPLE
 
Andrew
Andrew,
lOVED THE aPPLE
 
Matthew
Matthew,
My go to Rye here in VA.
 
Michael
Michael,
Definitely detect the Apple. Great flavor and unique sweetness. Love it!
 
Brita
Brita,
The toasted apple flavor is just lovely. Very complex
 
Amy
Amy,
Really liked this — great malt and balance. A rye we’d actually sip, and for an excellent Manhattan.
 
Jesi
Jesi,
Very smooth beginning. Sharp kick right as you swallow. But the fruity hints leave a pleasant taste in the mouth.
 
Scott
Scott,
Apple & cherry on the nose makes it instantly intriguing. I would probably enjoy it more if the flowery flavor wasn't there. Two small ice cubes are making more enjoyable (smoothing it out). I read in a comment that this would probably make a great rye for use in Manhattan's & I tend to agree.
 
Crispin
Crispin,
Love the smoky, subtle apple tastes. Very Smooth !
Aljaz
Aljaz,
Exactly my thoughts on this one. Nailed it!
Shannon
Shannon,
Unique... cherry smoked almonds...
 
Michael
Michael,
I'm not great with this Flaviar spiral, yet. This has a great sweet finish, almost like a Desert rye. Accidentally poured some OJ in to my glass from the night before, not that it needs mixing but OJ is a great compliment. Now it's mimosas for the wife and OJ n'Rye for me on Sunday brunch.
 
Carlos
Carlos,
Smooth with a smoky finish.
M
M,
couldnt agree more!
Jonathan
Jonathan,
A dry, spicy rye with a snootful of smoke. I get a bit of the fruit, but the smokiness overpowers my senses. Please note: I am not a Scotch drinker.
 
Jerome
Jerome,
Apply with a hint of wood. Spicy but not sweet.
 
Peyton
Peyton,
Smokey, Toasted Nose. Big smoke and Rye Body. Light Apple note at the end.
 
guest
guest,
Makes a delightful manhattan with Dolin Rouge vermouth and a plump luxardo cherry.
 
Chase
Chase,
A bit sweet but the subtle Apple taste was refreshing
 
Josh
Josh,
I'm a bit of a newb but this seemed a little one dimensional.
 
guest
guest,
Seemed under developed. Very overpriced for the quality. Maybe a good for mixing if it was cheaper.
 
caleb
caleb,
Not my favorite
 
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